The key to scuba diving is to become comfortable with being in the water. A swimmer from childhood, I had no trouble getting comfortable in the water. I spent many summer days in the creeks and ponds and rivers in Indiana, so becoming a scuba diver was somewhat easy for me because I love to be in the water. You will have to do a swimming and float test just to get started.

Several agencies that certify divers and have a continuing education program are out there. Pick one and stay with it. You can be certified by several agencies on different courses. Usually the shop you choose will represent the agency that will certify you. Depending on whom you talk to, it is my opinion that they all do a good job.

After you have moved to the open water the instructor and the Dive Master will pick a location  where you will take the open water test. Mine was at Hood Canal, Mikes Beach Resort. It is a real nice place to dive and a good training location even though it was in the winter and cold. Before we started, each of the class members were told again what he or she needed to do to complete the open water. The Instructor and Dive Master went over each activity that we were to do. Also he or she will tell you what you will see which will not be very much, because your concerns are really about getting through the exercise. You should pay close attention to the briefing. Your Instructor and Dive Master have been here and know the environment which you are about to enter. These instructions were the same as they were in the pool session and there should be no surprises. 

Getting ready for the Dive: I always like to go over the learning objectives before I get into the water and talk to another diver to find out what he or she is thinking. I still have all my books and look back occasionally to review which is always good to do to refresh things which might be inadvertently forgotten. 

You should check medications that you may be taking that could interfere with diving. I would never use an antihistamine and there are other medications, especially some prescriptions that can be dangerous to your water experience. You should contact your doctor before going into the water about any that you think could cause problems. Diving is fun and it’s safe if you follow the right procedures.

Buoyancy:  It is one of the skills that is so important in the open water and throughout your diving experience. Once you have this down you are ready to do it all. The longer you dive the better you get at it. I have many diving friends who are really good at the buoyancy techniques. It saves on air and let’s you control where you are in the water. You will also learn things about pressure and atmosphere’s at depth. Remember this will be even more important as you continue your diving education toward getting into Nitrox or mixed gases.

Equipment: Before you go on any dive make sure that you create an equipment list and check off the equipment you will need to do the dive or dives. By doing so you won’t miss a dive because you left something at home. When I go I have a truck loaded with enough equipment to outfit two divers just in case something goes wrong and if it does, I have the items to save the dive.

Starting from head to toe: Make sure that the mask fits well and your dive shop will help you fit one properly.  If it’s not right you will spend a lot of time clearing the water from the mask. The snorkel you will use helps you breath as you swim to a down line and while on the surface. The second stage regulator is the primary air source and a second stage is the secondary air source. 

Buoyancy Control Device.  Remember before you buy a real expensive BCD be sure that you talk to a lot of divers. There are a lot of manufactures of BCD’s out there and you need to pick one that you are comfortable with and one that is easy to use.

 Weight belt or weight integrated: I do not use a weight belt and after the open water I went to the weight integrated. I could not stand that hanging around my waist. I started with about 40 lbs but now use 26 lbs.  Again there are many methods to add weight out there from which you can  choose; but remember being comfortable is the most important. Your gas cylinder most likely will be an 80 cubic foot cylinder which is good to start with. However look before you buy. The instrument consol contains all the information about pressure in your tank, depth gauge, and compass. What can be said about fins? There are as many fins out there as there are opinions about which type to use. All dives are different; try several types of fins and make up your own mind.

Wet suit or Dry Suit: You will be using a wet suit in the open water and in most cases the scuba shop will provide it. However you should as soon as possible, if you’re a cold water diver, get into a good dry suit. It sure makes a difference in your diving. Which dry suit should you buy? Look around and talk to other divers before you buy a suit. Dry Suits are expensive and you
want to be happy with your choice. Go to your favorite dive shop and look over their selections and get their recommendations.

I could write many pages on the open water experience. However all the details will come from the class and the dive Instructor, who will guide you to a great diving adventure. Remember diving is fun and you will meet a lot of great people and see a lot of great things. Go slow and be safe.

©  06/16/2009 G. McK.